Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the 2024 Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has attributed the party’s loss in the 2024 general elections to a combination of factors, including overconfidence in power, rising living costs, the controversial E-Levy, and the Debt Exchange Program (DDEP).
Speaking at the launch of his nationwide Thank You Tour at the auditorium of Takoradi Technical University, Dr. Bawumia reflected candidly on the reasons behind the NPP’s defeat.
He dismissed claims that his religious background was the main cause, instead highlighting internal party conflicts and the failure to complete key projects.
“An analysis of the reports we’ve received indicates several key issues,” he explained. “Among them is the rising cost of living, which made life increasingly difficult for Ghanaians. The arrogance of power was also evident; we were not open enough to listening to the concerns of the people.”
Dr. Bawumia pointed to the party’s reluctance to heed calls for a reshuffle after eight years in government, as well as the unpopular decision to implement the E-Levy despite public resistance.
He also acknowledged that the Debt Exchange Program had caused significant hardship, particularly during the IMF-led debt restructuring process.
He cited the government’s failure to consistently pay NABCO trainees, youth afforestation workers, and caterers as further examples of how economic difficulties eroded public trust.
Campaign strategy also came under scrutiny. Dr. Bawumia admitted that the NPP failed to campaign effectively in some of its strongholds, noting, “Even in regions where we typically enjoy strong support, such as the Western Region, we did not invest enough effort.”
He further stressed that internal divisions weakened the party’s front, allowing the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) to capitalize on their vulnerabilities.
“As we approached the 2024 general election, the NPP was not completely united. The NDC, despite lacking a strong campaign message, skillfully turned our own words against us,” he remarked. “This shows the importance of maintaining a respectful campaign — undermining your opponent does not guarantee victory.”
Dr. Bawumia’s Thank You Tour is aimed at engaging supporters, listening to feedback, and charting a path forward for the party after the 2024 electoral setback.
Source: myinfotoday.com
